Icariin mitigates experimental contrast-induced nephropathy: Mechanistic insights

Currently, the use of contrast agents in interventional procedures and imaging has been increasing. Icariin, an active component of Epimedium, offers beneficial biological activities such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the protective role of icariin and its underlying mechanisms against contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN).

We divided twenty-four rats into four groups (n = 6 each): control group icariin-only treated group, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) group, and CIN+Icariin group, with six rats in each group. We performed renal function tests (serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and histological evaluations. Additionally, we measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in renal supernatant and used ELISA to quantify caspase-8, caspase-9, cytochrome c, Bcl-2 associated protein x (Bax), and B cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 protein (Bcl-2) levels. We assessed nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene expression and evaluated immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), CD68, and caspase-3.

Icariin showed nephroprotective effects against CIN, demonstrated by reduced creatinine and BUN; decreased MDA, IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, CD68, caspase-8, caspase-9, Bax, and cytochrome c; and increased SOD and Bcl-2 levels. Renal histology improved in the CIN+Icariin group compared to CIN group.

Oral administration of 100 mg/kg icariin exhibited renoprotective effects against contrast-induced renal injury through anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant mechanisms.